Show Notes
The final chapter of Joshua is set in the context of a covenant renewal ceremony, but this time conducted by the aged leader of Israel. Although not a covenant itself but rather a report of a covenant renewal ceremony. Joshua is close to the end of his life; no replacement is on the horizon. The covenant renewal is a reminder to Israel that their king is Yahweh Himself and that, if they remain loyal to Him, they will enjoy His protection. Israel does not need a human king. As a theocratic nation, they have to ever keep in mind that their only king is the Lord.
More from Sabbath School Study Hour
What can you yourself do in order to remain faithful to God and to the truth He has given us? That is, what choices are you making that reveal who truly has your heart?
In our lesson for this week, Paul provides some vital principles for how a Christian family functions best. Paul also gives other valuable principles that are helpful for a variety of social relations, both inside and outside the home.
In this week’s lesson Paul teaches that if we’re too focused on earthly things, we can’t be useful to God. Setting our minds on things above (Col. 3:1) gives us the strength to live out Christlike, practical love—like blessing those who mistreat us (Matt. 5:44–45). We can’t do this by human effort; we must die to self so Christ can live through us, transforming our lives now and for eternity.
In this week’s lessons we’ll see Paul warn the Colossians about false teachers promoting human traditions, rituals, and ascetic practices. He shows that Colossians 2 isn’t dismissing God’s Sabbath but addressing man‑made regulations that distracted from Christ.
In this week's lesson, Paul shows that reconciliation through Christ’s death extends from the entire universe to each individual. Once separated from God by sin, people are personally restored through faith as the cross actively transforms lives and reveals God’s hidden plan in the gospel.